How do I know if I need therapy?
Therapy can benefit anyone at any point in life, and there’s no single “right” reason to seek help. Here are some signs that might indicate therapy could be helpful for you:
- You’re experiencing persistent emotional distress: This could include feelings of anxiety, depression, burnout, or overwhelming stress that interfere with your daily life.
- You’re facing significant life changes or challenges: Major life events like divorce, job loss, bereavement, or relocation can be easier to navigate with professional support.
- You’re struggling with relationships: Therapy can help improve communication and resolve conflicts, whether with family, romantic partners, or friends.
- You’re dealing with work-related issues: Burnout, job dissatisfaction, or difficulty managing workplace stress are common reasons people seek therapy.
- You’re having trouble coping with past trauma: Unresolved issues from your past may be affecting your present life and relationships.
- You’re engaging in harmful behaviours: This could include substance abuse, self-harm, or other destructive patterns.
- You’re feeling stuck or unfulfilled: Even if you can’t pinpoint a specific problem, general dissatisfaction with life can be a reason to seek therapy.
- You want to understand yourself better. Therapy can be a valuable tool for self-discovery and personal growth, even without a specific problem.
Remember, therapy isn’t just for crises. It can be a space to talk about daily or weekly concerns, work on personal development, or simply have a judgment-free zone to be truly yourself. If you’re considering therapy, it’s often a sign that you could benefit from it. There’s no harm in trying a session or two to see if it feels right for you.
Can you provide a diagnosis?
In most jurisdictions, including Ontario, psychotherapists are not authorized to provide a formal diagnosis of mental health conditions independently. While we can assess and treat emotional and psychological issues through psychotherapy, diagnosing mental health conditions typically falls within the scope of practice of regulated professionals such as psychologists and psychiatrists. If a psychotherapist suspects that you may have a specific mental health condition, they would usually refer you to a licensed psychologist or psychiatrist for a comprehensive assessment and diagnosis.
What is the difference between a Psychotherapist, a Psychologist and a Psychiatrist?
Psychotherapist
Role: A psychotherapist provides talk therapy or psychotherapy to individuals experiencing emotional, psychological, or behavioural challenges. They help individuals explore and understand their thoughts, feelings, and behaviours to improve mental well-being.
Qualifications: Psychotherapists’ qualifications vary by jurisdiction. In some places, they may be registered professionals with specific training in psychotherapy.
Scope of Practice: Psychotherapists typically focus on therapeutic interventions and are not authorized to diagnose mental health conditions independently or prescribe medication.
Psychologist
Role: A psychologist is trained to evaluate and treat mental and emotional disorders through observation, interviews, and psychological tests. They can provide psychotherapy and, in some jurisdictions, may be authorized to prescribe medication.
Qualifications: Psychologists typically hold a doctoral degree in psychology (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) and may be licensed to practice.
Scope of Practice: Psychologists can diagnose mental health conditions and provide psychotherapy. Their ability to prescribe medication varies by jurisdiction.
Psychiatrist
Role: A psychiatrist is a medical doctor (MD) specializing in diagnosing, treating, and preventing mental health and emotional disorders. They can prescribe medication and often work in hospitals or private practices.
Qualifications: Psychiatrists have completed medical school and a psychiatric residency program
Scope of Practice: Psychiatrists are qualified to diagnose mental health conditions and prescribe medication. They may also provide psychotherapy.
Will my insurance cover therapy? Do you direct bill?
You will have to check with your insurance company to determine what coverage your provider offers. You will want to find out if they cover services rendered by a Registered Social Worker, a Registered Psychotherapist, or a Therapist supervised by a Psychologist. Some insurances also only cover psychologists and psychiatrists. Different companies offer different packages, and they vary per organization.
If therapy sessions are covered, that’s great! I do not directly bill insurance companies. However, you will receive a receipt for sessions within 24 hours, and you can use that receipt to get reimbursed for sessions.
How often will I need therapy?
There is no standard level of quantity or frequency when it comes to therapy sessions. Trust your own sense of how often and for how long you want to participate in therapy and discuss this with your therapist. This can change over time, and you can adjust as needed.
Each situation is different, and you will decide what best meets your needs at the time of your session. Sometimes, you’ll find out after the fact. If you meet weekly, you may notice it is too much, or if you meet bi-weekly, you may notice that it is not enough for your current needs. It is common to want to meet weekly at first and then taper down to monthly with time.
What does the initial session look like
In our first session together, we will review some forms and paperwork and get to know one another. I will get a bigger picture of who you are and how you see the world. Together, we will discuss how therapy could help you gain insight into what may be causing or worsening your symptoms (in the short term), and we will determine what you are looking for out of therapy and what you would like to focus on. By the end of the session, we will have collaborated on an individualized treatment plan unique to you.
When preparing for our first session:
- Please complete the consent form, Intake form, and card authorization, which will be emailed to you before our session.
- Ensure you are in a quiet place where you feel comfortable speaking freely and will not be overheard.
- Jot down any questions or concerns about myself, treatment or the therapy process.
Take today to book an initial appointment!
How will the other session feel?
After the intake session, therapy sessions will delve deeper into your concerns. You’ll work with your therapist to explore underlying issues, set specific goals, and develop strategies for growth. Sessions will become more collaborative, focusing on understanding patterns, building coping skills, and practicing new behaviours. As you become more comfortable, you’ll explore deeper emotional and psychological aspects, such as past experiences or trauma, to foster meaningful change and personal growth. This process is tailored to your unique needs and goals, ensuring a transformative journey toward improved mental well-being.
What are your Fees?
A 50-minute psychotherapy session is $150
While sessions are billed for 60 minutes, 50 minutes will be active therapy. The last 10 minutes after our session will be used to create treatment notes, maintain your file, or send you resources if needed (you are not present for this part!).
Sliding Scale sessions
I strive to make psychotherapy services as accessible as possible. As such, I have a limited number of sliding-scale spots available. The availability of these slots is based on need and will be discussed during a consultation.
“The only way to deal with uncomfortable feelings is to go right through them”
-Dr. John Delony